Tom of Finland

Go see this movie. Go.

It’s really a beautiful film– shot in this sort of sleepy, quiet way that mimics the emotionally closed off Finish people. And it’s interesting. And melancholy. And fascinating.

What a crazy time to exist as a gay man in Europe– WWII and then progressing all the way to the AIDS crisis in the 80’s and 90’s. So many hurdles. So much oppression.

And such an interesting, yet sad, life Touko led. Covert hookups. Falling in love. Societal oppression. Familiar disapproval. And through it all his “secret pornographic art”.

Although I wish the film would have delved a bit more into how he first became interested in art and drawing, it does cover the main influences in his Tom of Finland style and how it gained a foothold in pop culture.

And how he became a voice for gay men.

I’ve always been a fan of Touko’s, and I read a biography on him a long time ago. I think the movie did a good job visualizing his life and struggles. And if you’re worried the movie might be graphic– it isn’t. No real nudity or sex– it’s mostly the allure of uniforms and masculine looks.

If it comes to your city, go see it. It’s worth it.